Nintendo Unveils a Glimpse into Its Legacy – But Where’s the Story?

Nintendo has officially opened the doors to its new museum in Kyoto, an establishment that stands as a tribute to over a century of gaming history. In an effort to convey the essence of what makes Nintendo a creative powerhouse, legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto drew inspiration from a recurring challenge he faces annually: introducing new employees to the company’s creative spirit.

Miyamoto, the genius behind iconic franchises such as Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, candidly expressed his fatigue over delivering lengthy presentations—hence, the birth of the museum. Located in a repurposed playing card factory, the museum opened on October 2nd, but accessing it is no easy feat; tickets are subject to a selective lottery system. For those fortunate enough to visit, they are welcomed into an exhibit that chronicles Nintendo's storied past, starting with its origins in 1889 when the company began crafting hanafuda cards.

At first glance, the museum's exterior is rather unremarkable—a simple, gray structure typical of a corporate office environment. However, as you approach the entrance, hints of Nintendo’s whimsical nature start to reveal themselves with playful elements like warp pipes and iconic blocks, capped off with a giant mushroom. Inside, visitors encounter a quartet of cheerful Toads and a whimsical signature from Miyamoto himself, setting the stage for what’s to come.

The main floor offers an experience reminiscent of an amusement park, with interactive exhibits that reimagine nostalgic Nintendo products. One can step into a traditional Japanese living room to try a batting simulator from the past, or experience a version of classic platformers using shadows to help characters navigate obstacles. A shooting gallery allows players to use a giant NES Zapper to engage in good-humored combat with classic adversaries such as Goombas. One highlight is a room filled with oversized controllers, where two visitors must collaborate to maneuver through beloved games like Super Mario Bros. using controllers that are almost comically large.

The real treasure trove of information, however, resides on the second floor. Riding the escalator, visitors are treated to the nostalgic sound of boot-up sequences from classic Nintendo consoles as they prepare for a journey through time. This upstairs gallery showcases the evolution of Nintendo, covering not just its renowned gaming history but also delving into its lesser-known ventures—from board games in the 1950s to the company's brief stint in various consumer products, including strollers and camera equipment.

A particularly fascinating aspect of the museum is its display of mixed successes and failures. Prominently featured is the infamous Virtual Boy, where attendees can experience the product’s unique 3D effect, as well as a dedicated area for the critically panned Wii U. The collection also includes a nod to mobile game efforts gone by.

Yet, despite the museum's impressive array of artifacts, one can't help but feel a sense of longing for more context. While the displays are visually stunning, they often lack the depth found in traditional museum exhibitions. There is minimal information provided about the impact of each product or the creatives behind these influential designs. Names like Takashi Tezuka, Eiji Aonuma, and Masahiro Sakurai—pioneers in game development—remain unexplored stories, leaving an opportunity untapped.

Critically, Miyamoto has hinted at the potential for future additions that could enrich the museum’s offerings. He expressed a desire to show more behind-the-scenes elements to the public—elements that could illuminate Nintendo's creative processes and the human stories behind its legendary games.

As Nintendo stands at a crossroads—transitioning into new realms such as theme parks and film adaptations—the museum serves as a beacon of the company's public image. Miyamoto emphasizes that the intent of the museum extends beyond mere gaming; “We are first and foremost an entertainment company,” he asserts.

The Nintendo Museum is indeed a captivating showcase of a gaming giant at the peak of its powers, yet it does so at the expense of the deeper, human narratives that intertwine with its illustrious history. For fans and newcomers alike, there's still plenty of room for a richer, more revealing exploration of what makes Nintendo the phenomenon it is today. Will future iterations of the museum provide the 'dirt' that enthusiasts are craving? Only time will tell.